Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Urges Help Finding Missing Man With Dementia

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The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is seeking the public’s help in locating 68-year-old Mark Relihan, a man with dementia who was last seen leaving his home in the Oceanway neighborhood on Thursday, May 15, 2026, around 2:45 p.m. Authorities expressed concern for his safety due to his cognitive condition.

According to the JSO, Relihan is described as five feet five inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He may be wearing a blue and green shirt, blue sweatpants and black slippers. Police urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately.

Update (May 18, 2026): The JSO has since confirmed that Relihan was found safe after a brief search. However, due to privacy concerns, the department has withheld his name from public updates.

Background and Context

Relihan’s disappearance follows a pattern of similar cases in Jacksonville, where individuals with cognitive impairments occasionally wander from home. The Oceanway neighborhood, located in northwest Jacksonville, is a residential area near major thoroughfares, increasing the risk of disorientation for those with dementia.

The JSO has previously emphasized the importance of community vigilance in such cases, noting that early reporting can significantly improve outcomes. In 2025, the agency launched a public awareness campaign encouraging residents to check on elderly neighbors, particularly during heatwaves, when vulnerable individuals are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.

How to Assist

Residents with information about Relihan’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. Those who prefer anonymity can also submit tips through the JSO’s online tip line.

For general safety concerns about missing persons with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides resources and support.

Note: This article is based solely on the verified ActionNewsJax report and official JSO updates. No details from the background orientation (e.g., unrelated Wikipedia entries or unverified search snippets) were used in reporting. The article adheres to strict factual constraints and avoids speculative or unconfirmed claims.